Lena Springer, a pitcher who spent last season at Central Florida, had a 2.52 ERA in 16.2 innings last year for the Knights. Prior to UCF, she was a four-time MVP and all region selection at The Ethel Walker School.

What does becoming a Buckeye mean to you?Becoming a Buckeye means that I am given the opportunity to be a part of something much more than myself, I am a part of a family. It is an opportunity to achieve excellence both on the field and in the classroom while learning from the best coaches, professors, and trainers.

Describe some of the factors that went in to you choosing to come to Ohio StateComing from the state of Connecticut, I wanted to ensure that the school I chose had an athletic department that was family oriented because I will not have the opportunity to see my family as often as I would like. I wanted a school that wanted to win both on the field and in the classroom. I wanted a team that will do anything for one another. I wanted a family and I believe I have found that here at The Ohio State University.

What Ohio State traditions are you most looking forward to participating in?I’m looking forward to participating in the Mirror Lake Jump in November that leads up to the football game against Michigan.

What is the first thing that fans will notice about your style of play when they come to see a game at Buckeye Field?I believe that fans will notice that I’m a team player. I think they will notice that regardless of the score I’m focused on the task at hand and supporting my teammates every step of the way. I think they will notice that I am very focused, but most importantly that they will notice I have fun doing what I love to do.

Talk about the impact of Buckeyes’ coaching staff, and head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly in particular, had on you during the recruiting process.The impact of the Buckeye’s coaching staff during my recruiting process was a key contributor into my decision to come to Ohio State. Coach Kovach Schoenly impacted my decision significantly because I feel that with her knowledge she will be able to take my pitching to the elite level. I believe that the Buckeyes’ coaching staff will be able to help me grow on the field and off. I believe that with the knowledge of the coaching staff of what it takes to be the best, they will not only help me as an athlete but the team as a whole.

What are some goals that you would like to achieve during your time at Ohio State, both athletically and academically?Athletically, I would like to reach my goal of being one of the top elite pitchers in the country. I would like to help my team become Big Ten champions as well as help lead them to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. After my time at Ohio State, my goal is to attend law school. That will only become a possibility as long as keep working towards my goal of maintaining a high GPA and gaining the most knowledge from my professors and advisors as I can.

What are your interests and/or hobbies outside of softball?Outside of softball, I like to spend my time catching up on Criminal Minds and Scandal episodes.